A well-drafted cover letter is an essential tool for making direct job applications because in most cases it is your first chance to impress a prospective employer. However, describing it as a ‘letter’ is a little bit of a misnomer because if you are planning to submit your application via an email, we would recommend copying the content into the main body of the message. Doing this will make life a lot easier for the recipient because they do not have the inconvenience of opening an attachment, meaning they are more likely to read your correspondence. What’s more the email is less likely to be misidentified as spam.
Unless prescribed by an employer, the length of your cover letter will depend on the strength of your CV and how well your experience and skills match the job specification. For an SQE Prep student who has an uncomplicated knock out CV (click here for CV tips) requiring very little explanation brevity should be the order of the day (download a worked cover letter example here).
If possible, aim to send your CV and cover letter to a named individual, be that the recruitment manager or a partner. This is especially important if you are planning to make an unsolicited speculative approach. If you are not sure who this individual is a simple search on a law firm’s website or a phone call to reception should help.
Addressing your email to the correct person will increase your chances of getting noticed and will also show that you’ve done some proper research into an employer. Saying that, note some hiring organisations will operate online application portals for paralegal and indeed training contract vacancies.
Other top tips
- Tailor each letter for the role you are apply for
- Use a simple typeface such as Arial or Times New Roman
- Keep it short and punchy or you will risk losing the reader’s interest – remember you’re not writing an essay
- Use white space – break messages into simple points and make each one into a new paragraph
- Sell yourself but avoid repeating the full contents of your CV / application form
- Mention your unique selling points but avoid clichés
- Thoroughly research the employer so you can make a convincing case of why you want to work for that particular firm or company
- Always remember to proof-read your cover letter, paying particular attention to names – step away from the letter and then re-read as you are more likely to spot typos after taking a break from the document
- Mention any dates you won’t be available for interview
- End positively by thanking the reader for their time and sign off using ‘Best wishes’ or ‘Kind regards’
- Don’t forget to attach your CV before pressing send!
Download the cover letter template here ›
Read our other Careers & Employability blogs here:
- Bouncing back from rejection after a job interview
- CV tips for Qualifying Work Experience [CV template download]
- How to network your way into QWE
- What is the BARBRI CareerHub & how can it support you with QWE?
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